A Bangkok court has issued an arrest warrant for Jakkaphong “Anne” Jakrajutatip, co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization, following her failure to appear at a scheduled hearing on Tuesday. The court deemed her a flight risk after she did not notify them of her absence. Jakkaphong, who was previously charged with fraud in 2023 and released on bail, is now facing renewed legal scrutiny. The hearing has been rescheduled for December 26, 2024. The case stems from allegations that Jakkaphong and her company, JKN Global Group Public Co. Ltd., defrauded Raweewat Maschamadol by selling him corporate bonds in 2023, resulting in a loss of 30 million baht ($930,362). JKN, which has been financially troubled since 2023, defaulted on investor payments and initiated debt rehabilitation procedures in 2024, with reported debts totaling 3 billion baht ($93 million). The company acquired the Miss Universe pageant rights in 2022 and sold 50% of its shares to Legacy Holding Group USA in 2023. Jakkaphong, a prominent transgender celebrity in Thailand, resigned from all company positions in June 2024 after being accused by Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission of falsifying financial statements. Her current whereabouts are unknown, and she did not attend the 74th Miss Universe competition held in Bangkok earlier this month. The event itself faced controversies, including allegations of rigging and illegal promotion of online casinos. JKN has denied rumors of Jakkaphong liquidating assets and fleeing the country, but she remains unreachable for comment.
Bangkok court issues an arrest warrant for Thai co-owner of Miss Universe pageant
